Third Basic Plan on Ocean Policy | ESCAP Policy Documents Managment

Meta Data

Draft:

Revision of previous policy?:

Yes

Draft Year:

2008

Effective Start Year:

2018

Scope:

National

Document Type:

Plan/Strategy

Economic Sector:

Power, Multi-Sector, Other

Energy Types:

Power, Renewable, Wave and Tidal, Other

Issued by:

Prime Minister of Japan

Notes:

Provisional Translation

Source:

Cabinet Office, Government of Japan (Outline)

Cabinet Office, Government of Japan

File:

The Third Basic Plan on Ocean Policy (Outline)

The Third Basic Plan on Ocean Policy

Overall Summary:

The Basic Act on Ocean Policy aims to “contribute to the sound development of the economy and society of our State and to improve the stability of the lives of citizenry as well as to contribute to the coexistence of the oceans and mankind.” It is based on the Basic Act on Ocean Policy, which was put into force on July 20, 2007. Japan’s basic stance on ocean policy was clarified based on the Act. For realizing a new Oceanic State, marine-related parties in various fields, with the Headquarters for Ocean Policy as its core, are expected to collaborate and cooperate with each other to strategically promote ocean policy. This plan is to be the very base for that purpose. In order to achieve such purposes, Japan has to firstly promote smooth and sustainable utilization of the marine zone where Japan can exercise its jurisdiction; Secondly, it is important that trade activities that support Japan’s industry and citizens’ life are maintained stably; Lastly, Japan needs to contribute to coping with panhuman issues, such as realization of sustainable development in the sea and formulation of international order for using marine resources.

Efficiency

EE action plans:

For contributing to the reduction of management cost for the fisheries industry, measures should be taken to develop and introduce light-emitting diode fish lamps which are highly energy-conserving and can competitively cope with fuel price hikes[...].

EE transport standards :

Japan will lead the world in establishing technology to assess fuel economy of ships in actual sea conditions, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions from newly built ships by 30% by FY2013.

Environment

Energy environmental priorities:

For sustainable use of these resources and space, over which Japan has jurisdiction, it is urgently necessary to formulate a system to ensure safety and security in using them, formulate a system to collect, compile and manage a variety of information, foster industries using resources in a planned manner, and develop various use/management-related systems such as measures for preserving the marine environment that will be needed in actually using such resources. ---As Japan is a major fishing country and depends on foreign countries for most of its necessary energy and mineral resources, it is crucial to promote the realization of sustainable use of fishery resources and the development of energy and mineral resources. ---Japan’s vast EEZ are affluent with living resources and [...] various types of energy [...] in its continental shelves[...]. Japan should promote smooth development of these resources through exercising its jurisdiction in an appropriate manner.

Pollution level targets, PM10, PM2.5, SOx, NOx:

[...] the development of ship engines that will reduce NOx emissions by 80% should be promoted, with a view to realizing commercialization by FY2012.

GHG emissions reduction targets:

Japan will lead the world in establishing technology to assess fuel economy of ships in actual sea conditions, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions from newly built ships by 30% by FY2013.

Cooperation in env.:

For the safety of transport of radioactive materials, which is of great importance in ensuring energy security, the relations of trust need to be strengthened with countries with concerns over transport thereof. In addition to these, Japan should proactively participate in establishing international agreements at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other organizations, conclude such agreements on countermeasures against terrorism and maritime transport of weapons of mass destruction as early as possible, and positively join in international cooperation.--- In order to convert their research results into concrete social and economic values, coordination needs to be made among related agencies including local governments, the industrial world, and the financial world. ---Japan also needs to take measures positively regarding urgent issues, such as the establishment and implementation of international agreements by international organizations, marine-related activities under an international framework, resolution of marine-related conflicts, management of marine resources, preservation of marine environment, securement of safety of the sea, promotion of international cooperation concerning marine science and technology.

Energy Supply and Infrastructure

Infrastructure development priorities:

Investment

Public Private Partnerships:

[T]he programs for developing technologies, including those to assess the impact on the environment and to reduce such impact as much as possible, should be established in view of future commercialization, and at the same time, a cooperative system between the government, research institutes, private companies and other agencies needs to be built for steadily promoting and executing those programs.

Technology

Clean energy technology priorities:

[T]here are methane hydrate, [...] in the surrounding marine zones. These resources are expected to be precious domestic resources for Japan, [...] [T]he programs for developing technologies, including those to assess the impact on the environment and to reduce such impact as much as possible, should be established in view of future commercialization, and at the same time, a cooperative system between the government, research institutes, private companies and other agencies needs to be built for steadily promoting and executing those programs.---With respect to wind-power generation on the sea, efforts should be made to reduce costs for establishment, resolve technological problems for increasing durability, and establish methods to assess impacts on the environment. Concerning wave-power generation and tidal-power generation, [...] practice, basic research for improving efficiency and economic potential should be promoted with due consideration to special features of seas around Japan.

Clean energy technology transfer:

The three-dimensional geophysical survey vessel that was introduced in FY2007 should be fully utilized to conduct primary geophysical exploration intensively in less explored marine zones for the purpose of grasping the distribution of new reserves in the surrounding marine zones, and at the same time, to conduct fundamental surveys [...].Through these surveys, exploration technology is to be transferred to private engineers of Japan. The results of primary geophysical exploration and other activities should also be transferred to Japanese private companies.

Clean energy technology deployment:

Basic research that brings about a variety of knowledge and innovation should be carried out continuously[...].---The three-dimensional geophysical survey vessel that was introduced in FY2007 should be fully utilized to conduct primary geophysical exploration intensively in less explored marine zones for the purpose of grasping the distribution of new reserves in the surrounding marine zones, and at the same time, to conduct fundamental surveys [...].---[W]hile conducting surveys to grasp the distribution of methane hydrate, it is necessary to carry out production tests in the surrounding marine zones, evaluate economic efficiency, and establish technology to assess environmental impact of production and thereby systematically promote technological development required for commercial production in the future.---[...] for contributing to the creation of a recycling society, it is also required to promote the development and dissemination of technologies to efficiently utilize marine biomass such as through converting it into fuel and developing functional food.

Gas-to-power technology:

Full Document Text

New Basic Plan on Ocean Policy

The presentation of Director-General of the National Ocean Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office, government of Japan on May 29^th2018 is as follows.

Taking this precious opportunity, I would like to give a brief presentation about "The Third Basic Plan on Ocean Policy" decided by the Cabinet on May 15 this year. Today I would like to present the Plan with three points. First, I'll talk about the basic plan and its structure, as well as how to implement the ocean policy of the government of Japan. Second, some of the remarkable features of the new basic plan will be explained. And finally, the measures of scientific technology in the plan. Especially, “Rule of Law” and “Policies Based on Scientific Knowledge” are important elements for the peace, security, and prosperity of the international community. I am very glad if my presentation helps you deepen your understanding of Japan’s ocean policy.

First of all, I would like to explain about the basic plan on ocean policy and the structure of how to implement the policy. Ocean policies cover various and broad fields, but all of them focus on the common spot, namely “ocean.” Therefore, various ocean policies should be developed under the comprehensive coordination by the government as a whole.

For the purpose of promoting ocean policies comprehensively and systematically, the Basic Act on Ocean Policy was put into force in 2007. Before enacting this act, each ministry and the agency executed its own ocean policy, and these were not well coordinated with each other. From this viewpoint, the government of Japan decided to formulate this basic act. In addition, the Basic Plan on Ocean Policy has been revised based on the Act in the Cabinet meeting approximately every five years. The first basic plan was approved by the cabinet in the year of 2008. The second one, five years later, in 2013, was approved.

On May 15, 2018, considering the past results, the Plan was totally revised by taking maritime environmental change and the innovation of technology into account. The

Basic Plan on Ocean Policy was approved by the Meeting of the Headquarters for

Ocean Policy, then decided by Cabinet on the same day. The leader, the

Director-General of this headquarters for ocean policy, is the Prime Minister of Japan, and all of the cabinet ministers are the members of this headquarters. And the advisory council / councilors’ meeting for National Headquarters for Ocean Policy consists of various experts appointed by the Prime Minister to give advice about ocean policy at their own responsibility as an advisor. This is the structure of how to implement the ocean policy.

Next, I will outline the third basic plan. The Plan sets “The challenge toward a new oceanic state” as the direction of the ocean policy and the following is a concise summary of the policy direction “The challenge toward a new oceanic state.” To enhance public understanding of ocean policy, we are listing five catchphrases; (a) Toward open and stable seas. Protect the nation and its citizens, this is related to marine security.

(b) Use seas to make the nation prosper. Pass on abundant sea to posterity, this is related to industry and environment.

(c) Challenge unknown seas. Improve technology and enhance awareness of sea, this is related to science and technology, research and develop maritime surveys.

(d) Take the lead to realize peace. Create world standards for seas, this is the motto of international collaboration and operation.

(e) Familiarize people with seas. Develop human resources with knowledge of ocean, this is education of human resources and to advance citizens’ understanding. Using catchphrases for enhancing public understanding is a new attempt in the plans, which were recently adopted in Japan.

In the third plan, we understand ocean policy broadly, from the viewpoint of maritime security. The concept of “Comprehensive Maritime Security” is stated in the plan as a new concept, and the Plan stipulates the promotion of Comprehensive Maritime Security by the whole government.

In addition, as major ocean policy measures, the plan covers such basic policies as: (1) Use oceans more for the purpose of industries; (2) Maintain and protect the maritime environment; (3) Improve scientific knowledge; (4) Promote Arctic policy; (5) International collaboration and cooperation; (6) Develop human resources with knowledge of ocean and to enhance public understanding.

One remarkable feature of this third plan is picking up the Arctic Policy as one of the main measures, for the first time in the plan.

We are listing approximately 370 items in the third plan, as concrete measures, in accordance with the basic policy. And for the first time, the plan clearly states the name of the ministries or agencies which take responsibility for each measure. This is an attempt toward better implementation of the plan.

When it comes to maritime domain awareness (MDA) as a new attempt, it is listed as an independent main item in this Chapter 2. This is also new in this basic plan.

The Headquarters for Ocean Policy will promote ocean policies as a control tower within the government, together with the National Ocean Policy Secretariat. The plan describes the PDCA cycle and process management using indicators to gain a panoramic and quantitative understanding for the purpose of better understanding and evaluating the progress of each measure as well as securing systematic and comprehensive implementation.

I would now like to explain the points of the plan in more detail. When we look back 10 years, since the enactment of the Basic Act on Ocean Policy, the government of Japan promoted measures listed in the first and second plans approved by the Cabinet based on the Basic Act on Ocean Policy. Furthermore, the government of Japan has decided the related laws and measures in the cross-ministerial areas, and promotes the implementation of offshore methane hydrate production test and test for seafloor polymetallic sulphids.

The plan was decided taking account of the recent changes such as depopulation, decline in birthrate, aging population, globalization, accelerating technical innovation in the IT field, and the maritime security situation surrounding Japan.

The Third Basic Plan will proceed with various measures by looking ahead to the next ten years, based on the Basic Principles established in the Basic Act on Ocean Policy. The policy will be promoted based on the principles of the act while recognizing the following matters:

(1) Freedom, democracy, respect for basic human rights, and rule of law are the foundation of peace, security, and prosperity of the international community. We, the government of Japan, need to make continuous efforts to actively create favorable conditions and environment for Japan to achieve “open and stable ocean.”

(2) To sustain national power in spite of depopulation, it is important to fully utilize the wealth and potential of our oceans. I believe that developing technical capabilities and strengthening international competitiveness will promote this.

(3) It is important to leave abundant seas to our descendants as valuable global commons. We need to promote sustainable development and the use of oceans by sound marine industries on one hand, and environmental protection on the other,

(4) It is important to improve the world’s most advanced and innovative R&D, surveys, and observations of the oceans, by developing Japan’s strength in the area of science and technology for a long time.

(5) It is important to deepen understanding of oceans among citizens by getting familiar with oceans and promoting the people’s willingness of having experience related to oceans as the base of our ocean policy.

The Plan covers broad ocean policies across various fields in accordance with the maritime security environment. For example, comprehensive maritime security consists of two elements: maritime security measures, and measures that contribute toward reinforcing maritime security. The government of Japan will combine and coordinate both measures and promote comprehensive maritime security as a whole.

By promoting these measures, we implement “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” in coordination and cooperation with foreign countries. Especially, in addition to reinforcing capability of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG), we prioritize the establishment of structures for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and preservation and management of remote broader islands.

The government promotes six main measures, which I previously mentioned.

First, the government will promote utilization of ocean more for the purpose of industries, for example,

(1) Developing and promoting use of ocean resources

(2) Stimulating ocean industries, strengthening international competitiveness

(3) Ensuring maritime transport

(4) Appropriate management of fishery resources, as well as growing the fishery industry.

Second, the government will support the maintenance and conservation of the marine environment, by comprehensive management of coastal regions and other measures. Third, the government improves scientific knowledge by implementing maritime surveys and studies to develop marine science and technology. Especially, it is important to strengthen the link between ocean and space policies, and to promote research on information from satellites. Furthermore, we support the development of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), as "promotion R&D" aimed at realizing Society 5.0. I will try to explain this in more detail later.

Fourth, concerning the Arctic policy, the government of Japan prioritizes measures related to R&D, international cooperation, and sustainable use of the Arctic.Especially, with regard to R&D, the government promotes to implement international joint research to deepen understanding of environmental change and its effects all over the earth, by promoting the research of the Arctic Challenge for Sustainability (ArCS), among other measures. This aims to enhance the presence of Japan in the Arctic, to involve actively in formulating international rules, and to promote international cooperation.

Fifth, the government promotes international collaboration and cooperation, such as, (1) formation and development of maritime order, and (2) International cooperation and coordination relating to oceans.

Especially, international collaboration and cooperation based on “Rule of Law” and “Policies Based on Scientific Knowledge” is very important, so the international conventions are meaningful, and can contribute to promote some of the most advanced research in the world.

Finally, the government develops human resources with knowledge of oceans and attempts to advance general understanding among citizens by such means as: (1) training and ensuring specialist human resources to support the oceanic state, (2) educating children and young people about the oceans, and (3) enhancing public understanding of oceans.

Until now, I explained about the framework of the third basic plan. Now I would like to explain about the measures related to marine science technology and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), which are probably the most interesting parts for you.

Many measures related to the research and development of marine science and technology are promoted under the plan, such as: (1) Collecting and developing basic information to evaluate risks caused by climate change, and implement R&D as well as develop high-precision prognostic information, (2) Implement R&D to understand the structure and functions of the marine ecosystem as well as the changing situation comprehensively, (3) Strengthening initiatives to implement original and diverse basic research on a broad and continuous basis.

“Society 5.0,” which the government of Japan is strongly promoting, shows our vision of the future, which is characterized by the sophisticated integration of cyberspace with physical space (“the real world”) and work to enhance it. The government of Japan will promote R&D to realize this Society 5.0. For instance, the plan specially lists such researches as the development and operation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), aimed at researching marine mineral resources and other measures.

Gathering and sharing of marine information, which can contribute to the Maritime

Domain Awareness (MDA)

SIP Next-generation Technology for Ocean Resources Exploration, was launched as a new project in fiscal year 2018 to further strengthen and develop accumulated technologies for ocean resources exploration, production technologies, and promote initiatives to develop and verify the technologies at depths of more than 2000 meters. Based on this SIP, we will promote technology development.

In terms of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), MDA measures were specified one of the prioritized measures in the Third Basic Plan on Ocean Policy. Therefore, a new practical policy, “Strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Capability in Japan,” embodying and complementing the MDA measures in the plan, was decided by Headquarters for Ocean Policy. To concretize and complement measures related MDA, the policy states that three aspects taken to consolidate capabilities on MDA:

-First, strengthening the information accumulation structure; in other words, enhancing “eyes” which are observing seas;

-Second, strengthening the information integration and sharing structure, or thickening “nerves” to link information;

-Third, promotion on international cooperation and coordination; in other words, enhancing international network.

We are going to contribute to many areas, not only maritime security. We will continue to develop scientific technology, preserve marine environment, stimulate industrial applications, and a variety of marine fields, by strengthening Japan’s MDA capabilities and deepening understandings toward our oceans.

The National Ocean Policy Secretariat, National Security Secretariat, and National Space Policy Secretariat are coordinating relevant government ministries and agencies, and promoting information gathering and sharing.

Especially when it comes to information that can contribute to marine science, we will utilize the MDA Situational Indication Linkages (MSIL), which will be developed in the Japan Coast Guard, as a one of the platforms for sharing information.

In conclusion, in order to enjoy the benefit of the oceans and bequeath abundant seas to our descendants, we would like to promote various ocean policies comprehensively, aiming for “the challenge toward a new oceanic state.” To achieve this goal, I would like to further enrich scientific knowledge. I appreciate your continuous support and understanding. Thank you for your attention.